Room on the Broom trail launches at Cannock Chase and forests across England

A brand new Room on the Broom family trail is coming to Cannock Chase Forest, as part of a nationwide programme being rolled out by Forestry England.

The trail is inspired by the hugely popular children’s book Room on the Broom, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. First published in 2001, the story follows a kind-hearted witch and her cat as they meet new friends on a magical journey, with themes of friendship, teamwork and inclusion that have made it a firm favourite with families for more than two decades.

What the trail involves

Forestry England says the Room on the Broom trail has been designed to bring the story to life in woodland settings. Families follow a marked route through the forest, completing interactive activity stations as they go, helping the witch and her friends along the way.

The activities are aimed mainly at younger children and are designed to encourage outdoor play, imagination and gentle movement, rather than long-distance walking. Trails typically take between one and two hours to complete at a relaxed pace.

Forestry England has described the trail as a way to “combine the magic of storytelling with the benefits of spending time outdoors”, encouraging families to explore forests together while engaging with a familiar story.

When it starts and how to take part

The Room on the Broom trail launches at participating Forestry England sites from 27 January 2026. Each forest will host the trail for a limited period, with exact end dates varying by location.

At Cannock Chase Forest, families will be able to turn up and follow the trail during normal forest opening hours. As with other Forestry England trails, visitors do not need to pre-book, but are advised to check local forest pages before travelling for the latest information.

Costs and optional extras

Access to Forestry England forests is generally free, but some sites charge for parking, including Cannock Chase.

Families can also choose to purchase an activity pack, which usually includes items such as activity sheets, stickers and trail-related extras to use along the route. Forestry England has confirmed that the activity packs are optional and priced at £4 per pack, with all proceeds helping to support the upkeep of the forests.

Visitors can take part in the trail without purchasing a pack if they wish.

Nearby options for Staffordshire families

For families in Staffordshire and surrounding areas, the closest participating forests include Cannock Chase, Wyre Forest (near Bewdley), Haughmond Hill (Shrewsbury), Delamere Forest (Cheshire) and Hicks Lodge (Leicestershire).

A growing trend for story-led forest trails

Forestry England says story-based trails have become increasingly popular, offering an accessible way for families to enjoy forests together. The organisation has described Room on the Broom as a “perfect fit” for woodland settings, combining a well-loved book with opportunities to explore nature.

More forest-specific details, including parking information and trail dates, are expected to be shared by individual sites over the coming weeks.

Forests taking part across England

The Room on the Broom trail will be available at 27 Forestry England locations nationwide:

• Alice Holt (Hampshire)

• Bedgebury (Kent)

• Beechenhurst (Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire)

• Cannock Chase (Staffordshire)

• Cardinham Woods (Cornwall)

• Dalby Forest (North Yorkshire)

• Delamere Forest (Cheshire)

• Fineshade Wood (Northamptonshire)

• Gisburn Forest and Stocks (Lancashire)

• Grizedale Forest (Cumbria)

• Guisborough Forest (North Yorkshire)

• Haldon Forest Park (Devon)

• Hamsterley Forest (County Durham)

• Haughmond Hill (Shrewsbury, Shropshire)

• Hicks Lodge (Leicestershire)

• High Lodge (Thetford Forest, Norfolk/Suffolk)

• Hole Farm (Essex)

• Jeskyns Community Woodland (Kent)

• Kielder Forest (Northumberland)

• Moors Valley Country Park (Dorset/Hampshire border)

• Rendlesham Forest (Suffolk)

• Salcey Forest (Northamptonshire)

• Sherwood Pines (Nottinghamshire)

• Wendover Woods (Buckinghamshire)

• Westonbirt Arboretum (Gloucestershire)

• Whinlatter Forest (Cumbria)

• Wyre Forest (Worcestershire/Shropshire border)